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Prime Minister John Key and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiki Noda speak to reporters - Source: ONE News
Protesters outside the Japanese Prime Minister's residence in Tokyo express their opposition to Japan joining the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership. - Source: ONE News -
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Prime Minister John Key wrapped up his visit to Japan last night with a one-on-one meeting with his Japanese counterpart Yoshihiki Noda.
The issue of trade appeared to dominate the talks, with New Zealand again pushing for Japan to join the Trans Pacific Trade Partnership, or TPP.
Noda stressed that he was still interested in joining the talks, however gave no indication as to when Japan might formally apply to join the trade agreement that involves the US and nine other countries including New Zealand.
Moves to liberalise trade and cut tariffs are unpopular in Japan and last night protesters gathered outside Noda's Tokyo residence to express their concern with the deal.
Meanwhile other issues discussed in the meeting included Afghanistan and Japan's continued whaling in the Southern Ocean.
Key says it was a warm meeting and he believes his trip to Japan and the APEC summit in Vladivostok were very worthwhile.